Tag: creativity

Cool stuff near Wheel Works Building in East Village.

The super cool Wheel Works building in East Village covered with nostalgic signs.
Nostalgic advertising signs recall the past in what is now trendy, modern East Village.

I always enjoy walking along J Street, between Park Boulevard and 13th Street, in downtown San Diego’s East Village. This where you’ll find the old Wheel Works Building, which is now a hip multi-media incubator and special events venue. What makes the place most interesting to me is all the cool and creative stuff that surrounds it! Take a look at these pics!

Turning a bit left, gazing over bright red bougainvillea at the new Central Library.
Turning a bit left, gazing over bright red bougainvillea at the new Central Library.
Rusted factory gears on sidewalk with words Art and Industry.
Large gears on nearby sidewalk with words Art and Industry.
This old building, now containing offices, used to be a Sinclair Paint warehouse.
I believe this old structure adjacent to Wheel Works is called the Broom Works Building.
Parts of factory machinery today are brimming with potted plants.
Rusted parts of machinery on sidewalk are brimming with potted plants.
Very cool door with lots of cogs and gears around it.
Front door of Wheel Works Building has lots of cogs and gears around it.
I believe 21st Century Bob used to be an antique store here.
I believe 21st Century Bob used to be an antique store here.
Lots of metal industrial contraptions decorate the outside wall.
Various industrial contraptions decorate the outside wall of the old Wheel Works Building. UPDATE! I’ve learned these machines belong to the Bob Sinclair Collection. Bob Sinclair was an entrepreneur and visionary who purchased historic properties in East Village for his business enterprises. He collected many fascinating artifacts. He owned both the Wheel Works and Broom Works buildings.
South side of Wheel Works building seen from San Diego's Central Library.
South side of nostalgic old building seen from the San Diego Library.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Watching for rare birds at Tweet Street park.

Looking west along the narrow linear Cortez Hill Park, also called Tweet Street.
Looking west along the narrow linear Cortez Hill Park, also called Tweet Street.

Every day for the past six years I’ve been watching for rare birds.

As you might have read on this blog, I live at the top of Cortez Hill in downtown San Diego. One cool feature of my neighborhood is a modest but well-loved park that awaits a few steps from my front door. Cortez Hill Park, more commonly called Tweet Street, is an extremely narrow urban park that stretches for several blocks along Date Street and Tenth Avenue. Completed in 2008, it includes a small playground, dog rest areas, and benches where visitors can rest and enjoy the San Diego sunshine. But Tweet Street’s unique purpose is to provide an inviting refuge of trees, shrubs and birdhouses that encourages birds to take up residence!

I remember when Tweet Street first opened, and my excitement. The artistic, brightly painted birdhouses were simply fun to walk past, and the idea that the park would soon be full of birds put a spring in my step.

Years later, I’m still watching for birds. Occasionally one can be glimpsed or heard in the deeper parts of the trees, or down on the hillside above Interstate 5. But to see a bird near the sidewalk is a rare thing. I’ve never seen a single birdhouse being used.

I suppose the lesson is that birdhouses shouldn’t be erected 5 or 6 feet from a popular walkway, where many people pass throughout the day, often with dogs. And that birds need a little more cover than what an extremely narrow park provides. Don’t get me wrong, I love Tweet Street! I love how the trees have grown out. I love walking along the park and gazing out at different vistas. The idea of attracting birds was terrific. But birds have their own notions about where to live. It seems they prefer a little more privacy.

Metal artwork resembles a bird perched atop trees in the downtown community.
Metal artwork resembles a bird perched atop trees in the downtown community.
Houses for birds are creative works of imagination, built by local artists in 2008.
Houses for birds are creative works of imagination, built by local artists in 2008.
Birds might choose to live in this traffic light.
Birds might choose to live in this traffic light.
Display near center of park shows how to build a birdhouse.
Display near center of park shows how to build a birdhouse.
Bees have taken over this wooden birdhouse.
Bees have taken over this empty wooden birdhouse.
The eyes of this colorful cat invite birds to enter.
The eyes of this colorful, weather-beaten cat invite courageous birds to enter.
Human condos and apartments are across the street from vacant bird housing.
Human condos and apartments are across the street from vacant bird housing.
House finches are among the birds that visit the Tweet Street park.
House finches are among the birds that occasionally visit the Tweet Street park.
Another fanciful birdhouse in the downtown San Diego park.
Another fanciful but unused birdhouse in the downtown San Diego park.
Stylish birdhouse, palm tree and downtown buildings.
Stylish birdhouse, palm tree and downtown buildings.
Squirrel perched on fence above Interstate 5 at edge of Tweet Street park.
Squirrel perched on fence above Interstate 5 at edge of Tweet Street park.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Street art rough sketches on a downtown bridge.

Sketch of female face and buildings on Sixth Avenue bridge above Interstate 5.
Sketch of female face and buildings, on Sixth Avenue bridge above Interstate 5.

Just before sundown yesterday I spotted these small unfinished works of art while I walked over the Sixth Avenue bridge that spans Interstate 5. They were down near the ground right next to the sidewalk, beneath the chain link fence overlooking the freeway.

I wonder who sketched these small scenes. Was it an art student? Are these works in progress? Are they the doodles of some inspired passerby, or a creative homeless person?

Had it not been for my blog and my endless quest for new material, I probably wouldn’t have noticed these faint drawings.

Mysterious unfinished street art of woman holding hamburger.
Mysterious unfinished street art of woman holding hamburger.
Stylish figure on couch with vase seems the work of a practiced artist.
Stylish figure on couch with vase seems the work of a practiced artist.
A miniature horse runs along a sidewalk in downtown San Diego.
A miniature horse runs along a sidewalk in downtown San Diego.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo!

People arrive at the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo in San Diego.
People arrive at the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo in San Diego.

Here comes one more cool blog post concerning the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Expo!

If you haven’t yet, please check out the SUPER AWESOME previous photos of the solo Sand Master competition at this event!

Now I’m going to cover the rest of what I saw. In addition to the incredible top international individual sand sculptors, a number of great teams also competed for fame and prizes. They started on their unique artwork today, so their creations seem in these early morning pics to have barely begun. I also enjoyed looking at many art exhibits, and a few sand sculptures dedicated to event sponsors.

The fun event on the B Street Pier was sponsored in part by Chevrolet.
The fun event on the B Street Pier was sponsored in part by Chevrolet.
Teams create fantastic sand sculptures out toward the end of the pier.
Teams create fantastic sand sculptures out toward the end of the pier.
Many displays of art dotted the exhibition, as well as food trucks and a stage.
Many displays of art dotted the exhibition, as well as food trucks and a stage.
The teams began their sculpting on Saturday, the day of my visit.
The teams began their sculpting on Saturday, the day of my visit.
This funny dude sifting sand said he hadn't found gold yet!
This funny dude sifting sand said he hadn’t found gold yet!
Teams from far and wide get started on their wonderful creations.
Teams from far and wide get started on their wonderful creations.
Some of the artwork you could enjoy was really sensational!
Some of the artwork you could enjoy was really sensational!
I saw the Sandcastle Man at the Imperial Beach event, too!
I saw the Sandcastle Man at the Imperial Beach event, too!
Now that's about as advanced as I am--a pail and shovel!
Now that’s about as advanced as I am–a pail and shovel!
These sand heaps will be two demons cast into heaven by Buddha.
These sand heaps will be two demons cast into heaven by Buddha.
MakerPlace was there demonstrating their creative local facility.
MakerPlace was there demonstrating their creative local facility.
What a beautiful Labor Day weekend by the bay on the Embarcadero!
What a beautiful Labor Day weekend by the bay on the Embarcadero!
A close look at an artist sculpting with great care.
A close look at an artist sculpting with great care.
Gazing back toward downtown, adjacent to the cruise ship terminal.
Gazing back toward downtown, adjacent to the cruise ship terminal.
The live entertainment hadn't started yet early this morning.
The live entertainment hadn’t started yet early this morning.
Another sponsor, Foster Farms, had their own very cool sand sculpture!
Another sponsor, Foster Farms, had their own very cool sand sculpture!

Tomorrow I’m checking out the equally awesome Festival of Sail, so stay tuned!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Photos of world-class sand sculptors at work!

Ten world-class master sand sculptors compete by creating amazing masterpieces!
Ten world-class master sand sculptors compete by creating amazing masterpieces!

This morning I headed over to the 2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition right as it opened, hoping to avoid the worst of the Labor Day weekend crowds. My timing was perfect, as the world-class competitors were all hard at work on their solo sand sculpture entries! I’m told they began on Friday; it appeared their truly breathtaking masterpieces were nearing completion.

For your enjoyment, I present many photographs of these super talented international Sand Masters at work!

Kirk Rademaker is a Sand Master who has won 10 major international awards.
Kirk Rademaker is a Sand Master who has won 10 major international awards.
Kirk Rademaker works on his shoe sand sculpture on San Diego's B Street Pier.
Kirk Rademaker works on his shoe sand sculpture on San Diego’s B Street Pier.
The master sand artists all work very carefully as big festival begins.
The master sand artists all work very carefully as big festival begins.
Early Saturday morning, and the big Labor Day weekend crowd isn't here yet.
Early Saturday morning, and the big Labor Day weekend crowd isn’t here yet.
Joris Kivits from The Netherlands has won many awards in different countries.
Joris Kivits from The Netherlands has won many awards in different countries.
Joris Kivits works on an elegant, simply incredible work of art.
Joris Kivits works on an elegant, simply incredible work of art.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge is in San Diego by the cruise ship terminal.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge is in San Diego by the cruise ship terminal.
A close photo of some very fine work by a sand sculpting master.
A close photo of some very fine work by a sand sculpting master.
Helena Bangert, from The Netherlands, also does snow and ice sculpting!
Helena Bangert, from The Netherlands, also does snow and ice sculpting!
Helena Bangert steps back to look at her fantastic artwork on the Embarcadero.
Helena Bangert steps back to look at her fantastic artwork on the Embarcadero.
A lot of patience and steady-handed work is required to create each masterpiece.
A lot of patience and steady-handed work is required to create each masterpiece.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen in the background.
The skyline of downtown San Diego can be seen in the background.
Chris Guinto has starred in three TV shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
Chris Guinto has starred in three TV shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!

Check out my last blog post, which features Chris from days earlier!

Chris Guinto concentrates as he carefully smooths an edge on his sculpture.
Chris Guinto concentrates as he carefully smooths an edge on his sculpture.
Chris is married to a master sand sculptor who's in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Chris is married to a master sand sculptor who’s in the Guinness Book of World Records.
An exotic, unusual creation seems to depict an ancient warrior.
An exotic, unusual creation seems to depict an ancient warrior.
JOOheng Tan from Singapore is often called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan from Singapore is often called Vincent Sand Gogh!
JOOheng Tan has won many top prizes around the world!
JOOheng Tan has won many top prizes around the world!
What appears to be a simple piece is actually beyond astonishing...
What appears to be a simple piece is actually beyond astonishing…
Look at the inside of the sculpture. Wow!
Look at the inside of the sculpture. Wow!
Sue McGrew is a star on the rise and has won several important competitions.
Sue McGrew is a star on the rise and has won several important competitions.
Where is Sue McGrew... She's inside this strange sand box!
Where is Sue McGrew… She’s inside this strange sand box!
The art is inside this hollow, angular sand sculpture!
The art is inside this hollow, angular sand sculpture!
I guess you gotta peek through the slots to see the finished marvel!
I guess you gotta peek through the slots to see the finished marvel!
John Gowdy is a Jersey boy now living in Italy. He won Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy is a Jersey boy now living in Italy. He won Sand Wars on the Travel Channel.
John Gowdy's piece is both amazing and dramatic.
John Gowdy’s piece is both amazing and dramatic.
Some people in a row boat are being upset by a hungry shark!
Some people in a row boat are being upset by a hungry shark!
The vibe of this sand sculpture is crazy good.
The vibe of this sand sculpture is crazy good.
Melineige Beauregard of Canada believes sand sculpting is a spiritual experience.
Melineige Beauregard of Canada believes sand sculpting is a spiritual experience.
This stylishly rendered human head radiates with warmth.
This stylishly rendered human head radiates with warmth.
Visible are the Broadway Pier and a few visitors to the US Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Visible are the Broadway Pier and a few visitors to the US Sand Sculpting Challenge.
Melineige's work of art has a second figure hidden within the hair!
Melineige’s work of art has a second figure hidden within the hair!
Sandis Kondrats hails from Latvia! He won the Grand Prize at last year's competition!
Sandis Kondrats hails from Latvia! He won the Grand Prize at last year’s competition!
Sandis Kondrats takes a break to check his smartphone.
Sandis Kondrats takes a break to check his smartphone.
Very organic human heads are fused together in this fantastic creation.
Very organic human heads are fused together in this fantastic creation.
The world masters' sand sculptures are lined up alongside San Diego Bay.
The world masters’ sand sculptures are lined up alongside San Diego Bay.
Michela Ciappini from Italy is a frequent trophy winner here in San Diego.
Michela Ciappini from Italy is a frequent trophy winner here in San Diego.
One side of Michela's sculpture is very sparse, modern and geometric.
One side of Michela’s sculpture is very sparse, modern and geometric.
But something is growing between those straight sand buildings.
But something is growing between those straight sand buildings.
A huge sand rose and human form emerge on the other side!
A huge sand rose and human form emerge on the other side!

My next blog post will feature additional cool pics of the entire event…

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

TV star Chris Guinto’s top secret sand sculpture!

World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego's B Street Pier.
World Masters Class sand sculptures prepped on San Diego’s B Street Pier.

Early this morning, before going to work, I headed down to the Embarcadero to check out preparations for two big events that are coming this Labor Day weekend. One of those events is the 2014 U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge, which will be held on the pier by the cruise ship terminal!

I noticed those sculptures that I took pictures of on Sunday are now completed. I also observed that the mounds of loose sand that the World Masters will sculpt this weekend have been enclosed in very mysterious-looking wooden frames.

As I took pics down the pier, a gentleman came striding along with some tools. I asked if he was a sculptor. He said yes. His name was Chris.

One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.
One competitor arrives at his future work of art by cruise ship terminal.

I spoke for a bit and learned he’d been creating sand sculptures since he was a kid on the beach, and that one could make a full-time living in such work. These unique works of art are popular at corporate events, public events, weddings and special occasions.

Chris said that some of the best sand artists would be competing from around the world, from places like the Netherlands, Singapore and Italy. He affirmed that this competition was one of the best in the world. I asked him about his own sculpture, and he said it’s a secret!

I didn’t know it at the time, but I learned with a little research that I had spoken with Chris Guinto, of Key West, Florida, a world class sand sculptor who has starred in several acclaimed television shows! His work has been a central feature of ‘Sand Masters’, ‘Sand Wars’ and ‘Sand Blasters’ on the Travel and Discovery Channels! All I can say is he was super friendly and very cool!

It's Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
It’s Chris Guinto, star of several shows on the Travel and Discovery Channels!
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
While Chris gets to work, I walk to see finished sculptures created last Sunday.
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
In my blog post from Sunday, you could see the eagle head being formed!
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The sand truck looks unfinished and rather odd to me.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
The San Diego skyline sculpture promotes new MTS Rapid bus route.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.
Chris has a tripod up, and now I say good luck and head for the trolley.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Random art on the streets of East Village.

Six colorful dog murals on F Street in downtown's East Village.
Six dogs on a colorful mural on F Street in downtown’s East Village.

Here are some photos of outdoor art that I’ve discovered just wandering about the streets of downtown San Diego’s East Village. Enjoy!

Exotic faces, car and flowers along sidewalk in San Diego.
Exotic faces, car and flowers along sidewalk in San Diego.
Utility box dedicated to Tweet Street park.
Utility box dedicated to Tweet Street park.

The park itself is located up on Cortez Hill, just steps from where I live!

Summer swallowed us whole, written randomly on a step.
Summer swallowed us whole, written randomly on a step.
More fun street art in East Village.
More fun street art in East Village.
Cool smile, horn, coffee and heart.
Cool smile, horn, coffee and heart.
Bold graphics on wall of Lucky's tattoo parlor.
Bold graphics on wall of Lucky’s tattoo parlor.
Jumbled, eye-catching mural on a fence on F Street.
Jumbled, eye-catching mural on a fence on F Street.

This fence borders SILO, which contains a ton of awesome street art, which I documented in this blog post.

More artwork along F Street on the fence that borders SILO.
More artwork along F Street on the fence that borders SILO.
More cool street art on F Street in downtown San Diego's East Village.
More cool street art on F Street in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Sand sculpting challenge gets ready downtown!

Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego's Cruise Ship Terminal.
Sand sculpture is prepared in front of San Diego’s Cruise Ship Terminal.

This coming Labor Day weekend, two major events will take place on San Diego’s Embarcadero. The 2014 Festival of Sail will feature about 20 beautiful tall ships from ports far and wide. The second event, the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge and 3D Art Exposition, will feature a world-class competition between many of the world’s greatest sand sculpting masters.

I noticed today during my walk that preparations have begun for the unique art competition. Several sculptures are already being created to herald the event and welcome the weekend crowds. Big piles of sand also wait along the pier for the competitors to realize their creative visions.

2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
2014 US Sand Sculpting Challenge to be held downtown Labor Day weekend.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
Man shovels spilled sand on pier into one of many big piles.
This artist is making a representation of San Diego's skyline!
This artist is making a representation of San Diego’s skyline!
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
Each mound will become a unique sand masterpiece.
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
These guys are working on a life-sized sand truck!
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
Carefully adding Chevrolet logo to back of the detailed sculpture.
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this tall heap of sand!
A few minutes later, an eagle is taking form on this heap of sand!

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Colorful new murals on Horton Plaza Park fence!

SAN DIEGO writ large on fence around Horton Plaza Park's construction site.
SAN DIEGO writ large on fence around Horton Plaza Park’s construction site.

I recently noticed some new murals along Broadway in downtown San Diego, between 3rd and 4th Avenue. They decorate the fence that surrounds the Horton Plaza Park construction site, and replace a number of large historical photographs which I featured in this earlier blog post.

I took these pics at close range from the sidewalk, not wanting to step out into traffic. So I missed a few parts of the creative, colorful artwork.

Part of one new mural along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
Part of one new mural along Broadway in downtown San Diego.
A colorful underwater scene can be glimpsed by passing motorists.
A colorful underwater scene can be glimpsed by passing motorists.
Various surfboards -- one contains an ode to baseball's World Series.
Various surfboards.  One contains an ode to baseball’s World Series.
These murals replaced photographs which showed downtown history.
These murals replaced photographs which showed downtown history.
A fun depiction of San Diego Bay and a red trolley.
A fun depiction of San Diego Bay and a red trolley.
These three happy dogs are sharing a surfboard!
These three happy dogs are sharing a surfboard!
Another interpretation of the San Diego skyline.
Another interpretation of the San Diego skyline.
California girl in cool sunglasses watches a sunset.
California girl in cool sunglasses watches a sunset.
A sexy green-haired mermaid and Mission San Diego!
A sexy green-haired mermaid and Mission San Diego!
Downtown has been encroached by breakers and rocky hills!
Downtown has been encroached by breakers and rocky hills!
Man walks past construction fence surrounding Horton Plaza Park.
Man walks past construction fence surrounding Horton Plaza Park.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.

Urban art: The Power of Collective Thought.

Public art on 11th Avenue in San Diego's East Village.
Public art on 11th Avenue in San Diego’s East Village.

Just some cool pics of colorful urban art on a building wall in downtown San Diego’s East Village.

Neighbors painted many colorful tiles for this artistic creation.
Neighbors painted many colorful tiles for this artistic creation.
The artwork was conceived and applied to a building wall in 1999.
The artwork was conceived and applied to a building wall in 1999.
Diverse faces, names and scenes are assembled in a larger design.
Diverse faces, names and scenes are assembled in a larger design.
Hundreds of hand-painted tiles compose the colorful street mosaic.
Hundreds of hand-painted tiles compose the colorful street mosaic.
The Power of Collective Thought from the Urban Art Trail project.
The Power of Collective Thought from the Urban Art Trail project.

…

To enjoy future posts, you can “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter.